GC 2008: Microsoft Sidewinder X5 gaming mouse

On the left side are two side buttons that can be operated with the thumb - to lower cost they are plastic only and not metal as they are on the older model. The mouse itself has been reduced in height. Three dpi buttons are for switching between sensor resolutions are positioned behind the wide and precise mouse wheel. Microsoft also changes metal for rubber for the wheel. Because of those economy measures lower the felt quality of the X5 but the performance is unharmed. The new mouse even feels a little more "agile” than the old Sidewinder.



The weight allocation seems to have been improved, too. The recommended retail price for the X5 is €60. Quite an optimistic price, since the OEM version of the Sidewinder Mouse with the better equipment and features changes hands for about €40.

Conclusion: Sidewinder X5
The X5 is a mouse with a solid performance. Because of the adjusted ergonomic it could be interesting to a lot more people. Our tip: Wait some weeks before ordering the X5, since the prices are supposed to drop soon after the release.